Rape is never funny, except when Divine is being raped by a lobster. That’s just one of the many highlights in John Waters’ difficult-to-find cinematic calamity Multiple Maniacs, a 1970 offering that also stars Dreamlanders Mink Stole, Cookie Mueller, and Edith Massey (in her first-ever film role.) Upon viewing the film, Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Joseph H. H. Kaplan notoriously summarized it thus: “Horrendous. Sickening. Revolting. Most distasteful.”

Until now, the trash epic has never been released on DVD or Blu-Ray, and the only way to see it was by tracking down a 1994 VHS tape, rough prints, or 16mm reel. Now, Janus Films is giving the film its long-deserved theatrical premiere in New York City on August 5th. A Criterion release can’t be far behind.

If you’ve never acquainted yourself with Lady Divine and Her Cavalcade Of Perversion, this is the perfect time.